Study Links Psychotic Experiences to Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Overview of the Research
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry explores the relationship between psychotic experiences (PEs) and the heightened risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). Previous research has examined the connection between psychotic experiences and the likelihood of experiencing suicidal ideation and actions.
Understanding Psychotic Experiences and Suicidal Thoughts
Psychotic experiences, or episodes, occur when an individual’s thought processes become disconnected from reality, manifesting as hallucinations or delusions. Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, encompass thoughts about self-harm, which may include detailed plans or persistent feelings of wanting to die.
Aims of the Study
The primary goal of the study was to evaluate the association between PEs and subsequent STBs throughout an individual’s life. Additionally, the researchers investigated whether other mental disorders influenced this relationship. The data analyzed was sourced from 19 World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health (WMH) surveys involving 33,370 adult participants from 19 different countries. Participants answered questions regarding their psychotic experiences, suicidal thoughts and behaviors—including ideation, plans, and attempts—and 21 mental disorders as classified by the DSM-IV.
Methodology
The research utilized a discrete-time survival analysis to assess the correlation between psychotic experiences and the onset of STBs. This analytical approach revealed that individuals with one or more psychotic experiences were twice as likely to report subsequent suicidal thoughts and behaviors, even after controlling for prior mental disorders related to suicidal ideation.
Key Findings
The study uncovered significant dose-response relationships between various types of psychotic experiences and STBs, which persisted even when accounting for the presence of other mental disorders. Importantly, psychotic experiences were found to be predictive of future suicidal thoughts and actions across the lifespan, with the strongest associations observed in children aged 12 and younger.
Conclusions
After adjusting for preceding mental disorders, the researchers concluded that there is a significant association between lifetime suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts with prior psychotic episodes. They emphasized the importance of screening for psychotic experiences as a crucial step in predicting suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Author Information
Written by Dr. MòNique J. Grant Coke, DNP, MPH, BSN, Medical Writer.
Reference
Bromet EJ, Nock MK, Saha S, et al. Association Between Psychotic Experiences and Subsequent Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: A Cross-National Analysis From the World Health Organization World Mental Health Surveys. JAMA Psychiatry 2017; ePub(ePub): ePub.